Modular vertical tool hanger

Abstract

A tool hanger system ( 100 ) includes modular holder units ( 102 ) each composed in basic form of a magnetic base unit ( 104 ) configured with a back side to securely attach to an upright or vertical ferromagnetic surface. The holder units ( 102 ) also include selected tool adapters ( 106 ) that project from the front sides of the base units ( 104 ) to receive and hold a specific type and size of a mechanic's tool. The holder units ( 102 ) are configured to be connectable together in side-by-side relationship to each other to form the hanger system ( 100 ) of a desired length or capacity.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
       1. A tool hanger system composed of modular, connectable holder units to receive and hold a desired number and types of mechanic's tools on an upright surface, the holder units comprising:
 a magnetic base unit having a front side, a back side that is attachable to an upright ferromagnetic surface, and opposite first and second side edges, at least one projection unitarily constructed with the first side edge and extending from the first side edge and at least one socket extending into the second side edge to receive the at least one projection of an adjacent magnetic base unit to interlock the base units in side-by-side relationship; and 
 a selected tool adaptor engageable with the base unit to cantilever from the front side of the base unit, the adaptor configured to receive and hold a mechanic's tool. 
 
     
     
       2. A modular tool hanger system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one projection comprises a tenon unitarily constructed with the first side edge and the at least one socket comprising a mortice. 
     
     
       3. A modular tool hanger system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one projection comprises a pin unitarily constructed with the first side edge and the at least one socket comprising a dovetail. 
     
     
       4. A modular tool hanger system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one projection comprises a tongue unitarily constructed with the first side edge and the at least one socket comprising a groove. 
     
     
       5. A modular tool hanger system according to  claim 1 , wherein the holder units comprising at least one metallic plate positioned in the base unit between the front side and the backside of the base unit, and at least one magnet contacting the metallic plate toward the backside of the base unit, whereby the metallic plate enhancing the magnetic attraction of the base unit to the upright ferromagnetic surface. 
     
     
       6. The modular tool hanger according to  claim 5 , wherein the at least one metallic plate is substantially planar in form. 
     
     
       7. The modular tool hanger according to  claim 6 , wherein the area of the metallic plate is larger than the area of the at least one magnet. 
     
     
       8. The modular tool hanger according to  claim 5 , further comprising a retainer to surround the at least one magnet to assist in retaining the at least one magnet in stationary position. 
     
     
       9. The modular tool hanger according to  claim 5 , wherein the base unit comprising a back wall coinciding with the back side of the base unit, and the at least one magnet extending through the back wall. 
     
     
       10. The modular tool hanger according to  claim 1 , wherein the tool adapter defining an opening extending therethrough configured for receiving a specific mechanic's tool therethrough in upright orientation. 
     
     
       11. The modular tool hanger according to  claim 1 , wherein the tool adapter comprising at least one male projection extending therefrom for engaging in locking relationship with the base unit. 
     
     
       12. The modular tool hanger according to  claim 11 , wherein the base unit comprising portions defining a socket for receiving the at least one male projection in locking relationship to receive and hold a specific type of mechanic's tool. 
     
     
       13. The modular tool hanger according to  claim 1 , wherein the tool adaptor comprising an upper unit and a lower unit, both engageable with the base unit to cantilever from the front side of the base unit in spaced vertical relationship to receive and hold a mechanic's tool that spans between the upper and lower units. 
     
     
       14. The modular tool hanger according to  claim 13 , wherein the upper and lower units each comprising at least one male projection extending therefrom for engaging in locking relationship with the base unit. 
     
     
       15. The modular tool hanger according to  claim 14 , wherein the base unit comprising portions defining sockets for receiving the at least one male projection in locking relationship with the upper and lower tool adapter units. 
     
     
       16. The modular tool hanger according to  claim 13 , wherein the base unit having portions defining support ledges configured to underlie and support the portions of the tool adaptors adjacent the base unit. 
     
     
       17. The modular tool hanger according to  claim 1 , wherein the base unit having portions defining a support ledge configured to underlie and support the portion of the tool adaptor adjacent the base unit.